Gonna buy me a fishin' truck..... [Archive]

Railroader

08-12-2006, 07:29 PM

I've decided to buy me a "rollin' tackle box" and have the field narrowed to three choices.

Either a Jeep Cherokee (Cousin's got a '99 for a steal), a Toyota 4Runner, or a Nissan X-terra. Gotta be a 4x4 with a roof rack for the 'yak, and fit some small all terrain tires, maybe a 31/10.50.

I'm sold on the idea of a vehicle that is fishing specific...who cares how much beach sand gets in it, and if it rots out from salt corrosion in a couple of years...Who cares? Get another one.

Gonna put those fish and bait shop stickers all over it, rod holders, and leave the split pool noodles duct taped to the roof rack...:D

A real pimp wagon...:cool:

I'm curious about the gas mileage of the Cherokee, as it's the best deal I'm gonna find, and it's already got the tires...it's got the 4.0 inline six. Anybody got one???

Gimme some input on each vehicle, based on personal experience if possible.

bstarling

08-12-2006, 09:45 PM

They are great.Mileage is probably as good as you will get with a real 4wd, better than most and they are tough as nails. The 4.0 engine will last longer than most and the things are really hard to get stuck. Mine is rigged out for fishing only. All my stuff is in it and the back seat is usually laid down to accomodate everything. The yak fits on top and the Yakima Powder Hound rack fits up there as well to hold my rods. I really don't know how many miles are on it since the odometer only works when it wants to, but it is showing over 160K. The motor slings some oil but not much and it doesn't make funny noises and keeps 40+ psi on the oil pressure.

Did I say I like em??

Bill

Drumdum

08-12-2006, 10:09 PM

The 4runner ain't gonna get the mileage of that Cherokee,not familiar with the Nissan,but we have a Cherokee,gets around 25 to the gal.. Bstarling is right about the motor,that is one of the best "longlasting" motors that has been made in the US... Great on the sand also..
Out of the three you mentioned if that Cherokee is in good shape,that'd be my choice.. And I love yottas...

Jamisjockey

08-12-2006, 10:12 PM

Drumdum

08-12-2006, 10:36 PM

As a former Cherokee owner, I'm slightly biased....but they are great vehicles.
You'll have to run a small lift kit to fit the 31's on it, though. Factory is probably a 235/75/15 and the biggest you'll likely get without a lift is a 30/9.5. Since it's a unibody vehicle, your only options will be suspension...

He brings up a good point,RR.. Are you going to use this vehicle in the mud?? If not,jmho,I'd put some standard good radials on it and air down,that thing will move through the sand like a tank the way it's balanced..

Railroader

08-12-2006, 11:55 PM

Well, That settles it then folks....Gonna buy my cuz's 99 Cherokee with 100k miles for $4500. It's in good shape, and has some 30/9.50 BFG's on it already.:cool:

I'll do a thread on the build-up, and post pix as I go...Nothing like a new project!:cool:

bstarling

08-13-2006, 08:29 AM

You made a good choice. I'll bet you'll get another 100-150K before the motor craps out. Enjoy.

Bill

Jamisjockey

08-13-2006, 02:10 PM

Nice choice!
I'd suggest getting an on board air compressor for repeated air up/downs. I used to cruise at 10psi on the beach quite often, if I had to traverse any dunes that was....
A roof rack is also a good place to store a shovel, hi-lift jack, etc. They make an anchor for a winch point on the beach, but I'm not a big fan of them.
Mudflaps should help prevent rusting behind the wheels, which is where I had some ugly holes under the carpet (Shhh, don't tell the guy that bought it)....

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88/Atc1man/4x4/Jason_wheelie.jpg

Jamisjockey

08-13-2006, 02:24 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88/Atc1man/4x4/village_creek.jpg

Railroader

08-13-2006, 04:27 PM

Now, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout....:cool:

The deal is done! But I'm gonna have to wait two weeks to give my cuz a chance to find another vehicle...:rolleyes:

Took it and drove it a bit today, good solid little truck! Cold air, no bumps, rattles, or whistles. CD changer, power everything.

4X4 works, it's a part time X-case, and no leaks underneath.

Looks like 31's will fit with a little judicious plastic trimmin'..;) Might even go on and do a 2" lift, just for giggles.

I've always wanted to do a Jeep XJ project!

Jamisjockey

08-14-2006, 12:39 AM

Looks like 31's will fit with a little judicious plastic trimmin'..;) Might even go on and do a 2" lift, just for giggles.

I've always wanted to do a Jeep XJ project!

You're looking at an XJ on 31's, with 4" of suspension lift and it still had some fender rubbing.
Regardless, I'm pretty sure you'll love the XJ. If I have my druthers I might get one for beach use, etc...

Hat80

08-14-2006, 12:59 AM

He brings up a good point,RR.. Are you going to use this vehicle in the mud?? If not,jmho,I'd put some standard good radials on it and air down,that thing will move through the sand like a tank the way it's balanced..

If your going to use the truck primarily for the beach? Big aggressive cleated tires are not your friend. They tend to dig you in more then keep you going. A good quality radial thats aired down will take you anyplace in the sand. You'll also get better gas milage on the highway!

What ever you choose I'm sure you'll enjoy it. A dedicated fishing truck is the cats @zz. ;).....Hat

http://pierandsurf.com/photopost/data/500/medium/11705DSCF0041.JPG

http://pierandsurf.com/photopost/data/500/medium/11705DSCF0045.JPG

bassnut

08-14-2006, 03:00 AM

You will not be sorry. Jeep XJ's are great. Have one now and love it:D

Juan_EZ

08-14-2006, 07:23 AM

yo all i have to say... 2002 4Runner SR-5 Sport Edition!!

the 4th gen (2003 - present) T4R are not as good looking. i pee on anyone who has it. (not literally... maybe)

al bundy

08-14-2006, 08:50 AM

when it comes to beach tires the balder the better.:D
heavy tred just digs:mad:

SeaSalt

08-14-2006, 10:56 AM

I have a 2000 XJ also. Nice little truck. Gas mileage is not 25, more like between 15 to 20. Currently, I have a Surco safari roof rack and a 2 inch Hidden Hitch installed. The roof rack comes in handy because you can haul stuff on top of it.

I also got this truck because its one of the moderately priced trucks... I heard if you take care of it, it will go easily to 200,000...

Currently, I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to haul a kayak on my safari rack... any ideas?

TrakMstrE

08-14-2006, 07:45 PM

1fishinmusician

08-14-2006, 08:26 PM

All I'm gonna say is, "Live American, buy American" ;)

Ryan Y

08-14-2006, 10:50 PM

Ive had three, two wranglers and a CJ. The CJ had a 258, which is basically the older version of the 4,0 inline 6, one of the wranglers had the I-6. Dont have anyof them anymore though. However, you will find that there is an endless amount of parts for that XJ and the I6. Very easy to work on and cheap to boot. I have a set of Firestone Destination A/T's on My Dakota right now and hands down they have been the best Beach Tires I've ever had, And Ive had the BFG's. Also, that XJ should have a fold down rear seat if you ever find yourself wanting to stay out and "Relax while Fishing" at night.
Enjoy, RYan

1BadF350

08-15-2006, 11:00 AM

I don't know what your price range is but I have a 2003 4x4 Tahoe Z-71 for sale. It has a 6" lift and 35" tires on it.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=205216194&dealer_id=58099788&car_year=2003&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=used&num_records=&make=CHEV&distance=25&model=TAHOE&address=20852&certified=&advanced=&max_price=&bkms=1155650436139&min_price=&end_year=2003&start_year=2003&lang=en&cardist=10

Railroader

08-15-2006, 11:54 AM

Screw the Cherokee I already made a deal on.....

I'll take your Big, Bad, Tahoe...........At your asking price!

NOT!!!!!!:p :p :p

1BadF350

08-15-2006, 12:56 PM

Screw the Cherokee I already made a deal on.....

I'll take your Big, Bad, Tahoe...........At your asking price!

NOT!!!!!!:p :p :p

You could have simply said no thank you.

Ryan Y

08-15-2006, 02:04 PM

...its making me re-think things. I was looking at getting a Wrangler (I do like the new 4-door Unlimited) for beach excursions, but now the Cherokee is beginning to look more appealing. Guess I'd better do more research....:D

Whoaaa. I wouldnt be rethinking if I was about to purchase a wrangler four door Unlimited.
Pound For Pound, those wranglers are hard to beat. Check into it. Unlimiteds have the air lockkers front and rear. They also have the Dana 44 axles, (bomb Proof) And a beefier rearend. I dont htink you would be disapointed with that set up at all.
Ryan

narfpoit

08-15-2006, 04:34 PM

Do you think this would make a nice fishing truck?

http://siliconjesus.info/albums/2006-Cars/4466_jeep_hurricane2.sized.jpg

you could at least turn around easy if you went the wrong way since it can do a 360 in place. I guess that is why they call it the Jeep Hurricane.
Just thought it was cool looking.

John

Railroader

08-15-2006, 04:37 PM

You could have simply said no thank you.

Just messin' with ya':) ...Hope no offense was taken, I meant no harm!

RR

VICIII

08-15-2006, 06:08 PM

Had a few buddies with these trucks and they had trouble dying... They abused them trying to get them to die to buy a new truck and they would not quit..:eek: Should be a good fishin truck... they seemed to be bullet proof at the time.... Good luck... Make that truck smell like feesh....

SeaSalt

08-15-2006, 06:40 PM

let me just warn you, it aint going to ride like a Tahoe. And its gonna come with its unique sounds and feeling but you learn to 'appreciate' it... i've really enjoyed riding my XJ (cherokee). Thinking about getting a wrangler next...

TrakMstrE

08-15-2006, 08:48 PM

Whoaaa. I wouldnt be rethinking if I was about to purchase a wrangler four door Unlimited.
Pound For Pound, those wranglers are hard to beat. Check into it. Unlimiteds have the air lockkers front and rear. They also have the Dana 44 axles, (bomb Proof) And a beefier rearend. I dont htink you would be disapointed with that set up at all.
Ryan

Haven't completely ruled it out...just looking at other options. Thanks for the input.

E

Railroader

08-30-2006, 07:16 PM

What ever you choose I'm sure you'll enjoy it. A dedicated fishing truck is the cats @zz. ;).....Hat

http://pierandsurf.com/photopost/data/500/medium/11705DSCF0045.JPG

Hey, Hat...

How 'bout some details on the overhead rod rack....:cool: